#3. High Point

I got a nice, mellow start shortly after sunrise. The first part of the hike is a bit of a maze through a residential area, but there’s ample signage pointing hikers in the right direction. I’m glad I started early, because it warmed up quickly. I was sweating by 8am! The Oak Grove Trail single-track section of the hike was more challenging than the rest. Once I reached the top of the trail and joined the service road, it leveled off and was more of a gradual stroll with great views. The fire tower looks deceptively close when it first comes into view, and then it disappears while winding around the mountain. There were some bugs for the last mile or two but they were manageable. The views of the observatory and surrounding mountains from the summit are phenomenal! I didn’t see any other hikers on this hike, just the employee at the fire tower who drove up and was surprised to see me so early.